Monday, June 29, 2009
A problem with the new Windows Live Messenger..
is that the new favourites system is good for looking for people you like to talk to, but depressing when you log on and see every single one greyed out for long periods of time...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The product of extreme boredom at work
I've come to realise that some of the most significant events in my life have been the various concerts throught it, acting as punctuation marks in my life and signifying changes, emotions, hard work and the fruits of such all at the same time. The varied music I've played in them showcased the full range of human emotions possible, and will continue to do so. Since I've really got nothing to do, it's a good time to reflect on my history of performing in the many concerts (not competitions) that have made up my band life. I'm also not going to cover minor stuff (eg band fiesta) as they haven't been as significant as the many major ones in my time.
One interesting thing to note is that other than the Sentosa concert, all of the concert performances I have played in feature a repeated piece (not including guest performances although some of them do actually feature repeats). I've also highlighted, in the more recent performances, what I consider to be either my favourite or the key piece of the concert.
Back in Sec 1, having just been invested into RIMB, our batch got its first performace in the form of:
UNTITLED - Sentosa Musical Fountains, 23rd November 2003
March Spirit
Music For A Ceremony
Selections from The Merry Widow
Do-Re-Mi
Baby Elephant Walk
Omens of Love
My memories of this concert are, by virtue of the fact that it was a good 6 years ago, quite vague, and I'm not sure if that's all that we played (I know it's not in order). I don't remember much, except that I quite enjoyed it. Perhaps that was the spark that kindled my love for band, although it would not be such a fast process.
Fast forward to 2004, as a Sec 2 with a bit more experience. It was a long process, and in the process some of my batchmates left the band, but we ended up with:
Prometheum X - Victoria Concert Hall, 20th May 2004
March Spirit (repeated from Untitled)
Appalachian Overture
Beauty and the Beast
Jalan Jalan
Carmen Fantasy
----------------------------------------
Ensembles
Highlights from Chess (Alumni band)
Twelve Seconds to the Moon (Combined band)
Wave
The Hustle
Evergreen 70s
----------------------------------------
Gelato Con Caffe
Can't Take My Eyes Off You
This was the first real concert I performed in, and it was quite good. Again, vague memories of this concert, but I do remember some random details, such as my mum's SMS "The encore was obviously a set up, but the best part", and Raphael's "The alumni are playing Chess outside". Around this point, I had begun to enjoy listening to band music and the various recordings. I also began to bond closely with my batch. This batch bonding would be further improved in the run up to the SYF 2009, which included guestplaying for:
Play '05 - Raffles Junior College Multi-Purpose Hall, 18th February 2005
Flight of the Thunderbird
Selections from Der Vogelhandler
---RJCSB's repertoire long since forgotten---
This was not a remarkable performance given the fact that the hall sucked, as Mr Oura put it "no need to hold the last note, the hall will do it for you". We viewed it more as a chance to give the new Sec 2s some performing experience for SYF. SYF that year came and went, as did the Japan trip which I did not attend. Then came:
Unisono - Victoria Concert Hall, 31st July 2005
The Bandwagon
Selections from Der Vogelhandler (repeated from Play '05 and SYF 2005)
---RGSSB's repertoire and Miyazaki Dream Band repertoire not clear but includes:-----
And Then The Ocean Glows (Raffles Girls School Symphonic Band)
Takarajima (Miyazaki Dream Band)
Kaze no Mae (Combined band)
Chiisa Na Sekai (Combined band and choir)
What I remember most about this concert would be singing It's A Small World (in Japanese), carrying the instruments out and about and having fun interacting with the Japanese students. This concert also intruduced me to 3 of the pieces which I would later come to love, ironically none of which we actually played.
Fast forward to 2006, where the school came up with the idea of a combined arts concert, namely:
MyRIad - Esplanade Concert Hall, 28th May 2006
--- Raffles Voices, Raffles Institution Chinese Orchestra, RI String Ensemble, RI Guitar Ensemble and Handicapped Welfare Association repertoire long since faded from memory---
Carmen Fantasy (repeated from Prometheum X)
Highlights from Ragtime
It's A Small World (combined orchestra)(repeated from Unisono)
This would be the first concert I remember clearly, and my first in the Esplanade Concert Hall. As I would soon be leaving Singapore for almost a month, it was quite emotional, as by then my love for the band and my batch was strong. I remember vividly playing my heart out, as Mr Oura even turned and conducted the audience at points, and I remember standing up with a tear in my eye at the end of the concert, giving my batch hugs and watching the band bus/lorry drive off without me. I think MyRIad was important in preparing us for the main event of the year.
At the end of the year, sadly, my time in RIMB came to a close. However, as a sort of Coda to my time in RIMB I had my inaugural concert with the Raffles Winds, which was, of course:
Coda II - Victoria Concert Hall, 28th December 2006
Conzensus
Suite on Celtic Folk Songs
Danse Diabolique
Mononoke Hime Medley (repeated from Investiture 2004)
Overture for Vox Stellarum
----------------------------------------------------------
Ensembles (forgotten)
Saxophone Ensemble:
An American in Paris
The Pink Panther
Gulliver's Travels
Tong Hua
Highlights from Les Miserables
----------------------------------------------------------
It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
My first concert, in fact my first participation in a band outside of RIMB went very well. I enjoyed meeting the new people, especially the saxophonists who are really a great bunch, I got to know the RJCSB bari sax, which I still love, and the pieces challenged me to improve, all of which I enjoyed. Vox Stellarum was fun, composed by our own Wong Kah Chun, as was Tong Hua... eh wait sorry Tong Hua was composed by Jun'ichi Tanaka. Overall a nice experience.
Sadly, my entry to RJCSB was not as smooth, as I suddenly found myself alone, separated from the batch and band which I loved and being pretty much an outcast for the first half of the tenure. While that did not cause me to quit the band, the stable anchor of Mr Oura grounding me firmly, it did cause the next concert to be rather unsatisfying. That concert was, of course:
A Tempo XVIII - Raffles Junior College Performing Arts Centre, 9th/10th March 2009
Metroplex
La Mer
Kaze No Mai (repeat not counted)
Postcards from Singapore
Miss Saigon
--------------------------------------
Ensembles
And Then The Ocean Glows (repeat not counted)(Raffles Institution Military Band)
The Stars and Stripes Forever March (repeated from Prometheum XI)
Norweigian Dances
I Need To Be In Love
Sounds of the 60s
Silver Screen
---------------------------------------
Takarajima
This was a forgettable concert, especially the first night, where Mr Oura was not very happy with our playing. The second was better, but still not really satisfying. The fun part was mostly the new pieces, as I enjoyed pieces such as Silver Screen, Takarajima and my favourite march, The Stars and Stripes Forever (I think my recommendation was responsible for it being there). Listening to RIMB was great, though.
There followed a long hiatus in terms of performing, except for SYF and some minor events, and that in fact would be my last concert performance with RJCSB for the year. What happened next, which was all the way in December would be
Junior College Band Festival 2007 - Esplanade Concert Hall, 16th December 2007
Holst Band:
Cancion De Espana
October
Kaze No Mai (again and again)
Lerner and Loewe in Concert
Fennell Band:
Festival March
Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo
Japanese Graffiti XII
-------------------------------
Honour Band:
Festmusik der Stadt Wien
First Suite in E flat for Military Band
Der Traum Des Oenghus
El Camino Real
His Honour March
It is of interest to note that in this concert, the honour band played a piece by Holst (First Suite), Fennell (His Honour March) and a piece with Honour in its title. I was privileged to be in the Honour Band, and enjoyed it greatly. At first glance the repertoire was boring, and given my usual shyness, I thought I would not enjoy JCBF. Boy was I wrong. My section was small, but I got to know them and became friends, and the music turned out to be really good, leading to El Camino Real now being one of my favourite pieces. All in all a wonderful experience.
Concurrent with JCBF, Raffles Winds started up once again under a new resident conductor, Quan Hui, and this led to:
Coda III - Victoria Concert Hall, 26th December 2007
March and Procession of Bacchus (repeated from Prometheum XI)
Foster in my Mind
Morricone's Melody - Gabriel's Oboe
Peterloo Overture
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Variations
Ensembles (mostly forgotten)
Saxophone Ensemble:
Laputa - Castle in the Sky
Metro Gnome
Othello
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I Will Survive
Coda III was quite fun too, although it was still not much special, probably because my batch were mostly not involved in playing, nor in the audience. Technically it was ok, but not really impressive. Mainly I enjoyed being back with the alumni, who by then I had grown to know reasonably well. However RWinds was still not yet that major to me. This would, of course change later.
A few months later we had a mini concert to promote our major one in RJ. This was:
Play '08 - Raffles Junior College Lecture Theatre 2, 28th March 2008
Various random ensembles featuring percs and the same old brass quintet from A Tempo XVIII
Beauty and the Beast (repeated from Prometheum X)
Pirates of the Caribbean (repeated from Investiture 2006)
My Heart Will Go On
Shrek Dance Party
This was not really a conventional concert in the sense that it featured a stage play as well. The playing sucked, big time, but for some reason the audience enjoyed it. The concert also featured some insights into the running of the band and some of the notable flaws. Overall, one of the worse experiences in terms of concerts, although not without its enjoyment here and there. The main purpose of this was to provide some publicity for upcoming events.
In June we had the Japan trip with RIMB, leading to
The Second Regular Concert of the Fukui High School Band - Fukui Harmony Hall,
14th June 2008
---Fukui HS Band's repertoire largely forgotten besides 20th Century Fox Theme and Takarajima---
The Bandwagon (repeated from Prometheum XI)
Dance Celebration
Selections from The Merry Widow (repeated from Untitled)
The concert, while technically looking like a disaster next to a Japanese band, was fun and went well, including my interview on stage in Japanese. It was fun playing to a near full house in a nice concert hall, and I enjoyed it immensely. Food was much better than usual too.
And so 2008 came to a close, leading to a 6 month hiatus from band until A Tempo XX in 2009, which hopefully will go well. Coda V and Con Brio II are coming up too, leading to more fun with RWinds, which I have grown to love. All the best for the future!!
The more astute of you will have noticed that 3 concerts are missing from this list. Can you tell which ones?
Prometheum XI - Victoria Concert Hall, 21st July 2006
Silvercrest
Le Carnival Des Animaux
March and Procession of Bacchus
Jalan Jalan (repeated from Prometheum X and National Band Competition 2006)
Overture for Symphonic Band
Carmen Fantasy (repeated from Prometheum X and MyRIad)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Saxophone Ensemble:
Jazzablanca
The Stars and Stripes Forever
Percussion Ensemble:
Thunder and Lightning
Whistle While You Work (repeated from Band Fiesta)
Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines
The Bandwagon (repeated from Unisono)
Highlights from Ragtime (repeated from MyRIad)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Army of the Nile (repeated from Band Fiesta and National Band Competition 2006)
Spanish Fever (repeated from Band Fiesta)
This has to be the most significant concert to me of my career in RIMB, and ties for second in terms of overall impact on my band life. Why this isn't first would probably be for musical reasons, the repertoire wasn't that impressive and mostly repeats. However, RIMB was my family, and it felt magical playing on stage, hearing my name mispronounced during ensembles and enjoying the wonderful music. We all thought we wouldn't make it, but in the end it was beautiful, who cares about the technicalities when we all just played from our hearts. Highlights from Ragtime left me in tears at the end, and when we went back to RI, we were all so high when we cheered, and that is a memory I will treasure for life.
You may by now be wondering why the Japan trip is not down here, simply this is because this is a review solely on concerts, and what I loved about the Japan trip was much more than concerts. That, and there's a much longer review in my archives
A Tempo XIX - Esplanade Concert Hall, 26th May 2008
Army of the Nile (repeated from Band Fiesta, National Band Competition 2006 and Prometheum XI)
St Anthony Variations
American Salute
Romanza
Saga Maligna
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florentiner Marsch
Monument
Titanic Medley (repeated from Investiture 2006)
Utada Hikaru Vocal Selections (aka First Love/Addicted to You)
Jounetsu Tairiku
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Takarajima (repeated from A Tempo XVIII)
Tico Tico (repeated from Random Busking Along Orchard Road)
This concert ties with Prometheum XI for second place in terms of significance to me, but on the other end of the scale. Unlike in RIMB, RJCSB wasn't really a second home to me, although I had some good friends there. It just didn't feel as nice as RIMB was, maybe because of my own failures to put in effort and socialise, and not being in the core of the band as what I was used to was disappointing. I guess my life in RJCSB can really be represented by Saga Maligna, incorporating sadness, laughter, pain, indifference, remorse, hope and despair at various points.
What made the concert special was the scale of it, it was the largest scale concert I've ever played in. The music and standard were all impressive, and the repertoire was brilliant. Army of the Nile and Titanic Medley brought back fond memories of RIMB, Takarajima and Tico Tico left me feeling high and while we didn't play Saga Maligna and Monument as well as we could have, the two pieces, my favourites of the concert, are astounding.
It is somewhat interesting that what I consider to be the best and most significant concert of my band career is also the latest.
Coda IV - Victoria Concert Hall, 30th December 2008
Firework!
Armenian Dances pt. 1
A French Portrait
Highlights from Phantom of the Opera
---------------------------------------------------------
Saxophone Ensemble
Canon in D
Diamond State Rag
Percussion Ensemble
Brazillian Street Dance
ABBA Gold (repeated from REACT 2007 and RJC Open House 2007)
In The Mood
Queen's Park Melody
The Seventh Night of July
----------------------------------------------------------
Looney Tunes Overture
Simply put, Coda IV has been the best concert of my life to this date. Some of you may be wondering why this concert, not being as technically impressive as A Tempo, is my personal favourite, especially when it's not even a school band, but an alumni band. First off, the repertoire was really to die for, a good mix of classics, familiar tunes and original compositions by certain persons. All the pieces were enjoyable to play and I loved them. Technically, too, the band played better than it had ever done.
If Saga Maligna represents my life in RJCSB, then The Seventh Night of July has to represent my life in the Raffles Winds. The piece is one of my favourites, it's simple and so beautiful, so hopeful, and that's pretty much what life was like in Rwinds - simple and fun, and loving. Even the rather sad part near the end (perhaps representing the problems faced as a librarian) is shot down by hopeful and strong lines from the brass, culminating in the big finish that I love.
Coda IV presented me with the best of both worlds, a technically and musically good concert in a band that I felt a part of, and the feeling that the hard work I had put in had paid off. Overall the concert cycle was the best I'd experienced throughout my RWinds life, and it's going to be hard to match.
You may also be wondering why for the top spot I didn't choose a concert conducted bythe god of music Mr Oura. Again, the reason is simple, Mr Oura taught me throughout my whole band life, and by extension he taught everyone in RWinds, so we still owe him Coda IV. Besides, this is a post on concerts, not life as a whole, where Mr Oura comes out tops by a long shot.
That about concludes my review on my curriculum vitae on concerts, Hopefully you have gained something from reading this, even if it's only the knowledge that life in NS is boring enough for me to do this, and if you've read this far, I love you deep deep for it.
One interesting thing to note is that other than the Sentosa concert, all of the concert performances I have played in feature a repeated piece (not including guest performances although some of them do actually feature repeats). I've also highlighted, in the more recent performances, what I consider to be either my favourite or the key piece of the concert.
Back in Sec 1, having just been invested into RIMB, our batch got its first performace in the form of:
UNTITLED - Sentosa Musical Fountains, 23rd November 2003
March Spirit
Music For A Ceremony
Selections from The Merry Widow
Do-Re-Mi
Baby Elephant Walk
Omens of Love
My memories of this concert are, by virtue of the fact that it was a good 6 years ago, quite vague, and I'm not sure if that's all that we played (I know it's not in order). I don't remember much, except that I quite enjoyed it. Perhaps that was the spark that kindled my love for band, although it would not be such a fast process.
Fast forward to 2004, as a Sec 2 with a bit more experience. It was a long process, and in the process some of my batchmates left the band, but we ended up with:
Prometheum X - Victoria Concert Hall, 20th May 2004
March Spirit (repeated from Untitled)
Appalachian Overture
Beauty and the Beast
Jalan Jalan
Carmen Fantasy
----------------------------------------
Ensembles
Highlights from Chess (Alumni band)
Twelve Seconds to the Moon (Combined band)
Wave
The Hustle
Evergreen 70s
----------------------------------------
Gelato Con Caffe
Can't Take My Eyes Off You
This was the first real concert I performed in, and it was quite good. Again, vague memories of this concert, but I do remember some random details, such as my mum's SMS "The encore was obviously a set up, but the best part", and Raphael's "The alumni are playing Chess outside". Around this point, I had begun to enjoy listening to band music and the various recordings. I also began to bond closely with my batch. This batch bonding would be further improved in the run up to the SYF 2009, which included guestplaying for:
Play '05 - Raffles Junior College Multi-Purpose Hall, 18th February 2005
Flight of the Thunderbird
Selections from Der Vogelhandler
---RJCSB's repertoire long since forgotten---
This was not a remarkable performance given the fact that the hall sucked, as Mr Oura put it "no need to hold the last note, the hall will do it for you". We viewed it more as a chance to give the new Sec 2s some performing experience for SYF. SYF that year came and went, as did the Japan trip which I did not attend. Then came:
Unisono - Victoria Concert Hall, 31st July 2005
The Bandwagon
Selections from Der Vogelhandler (repeated from Play '05 and SYF 2005)
---RGSSB's repertoire and Miyazaki Dream Band repertoire not clear but includes:-----
And Then The Ocean Glows (Raffles Girls School Symphonic Band)
Takarajima (Miyazaki Dream Band)
Kaze no Mae (Combined band)
Chiisa Na Sekai (Combined band and choir)
What I remember most about this concert would be singing It's A Small World (in Japanese), carrying the instruments out and about and having fun interacting with the Japanese students. This concert also intruduced me to 3 of the pieces which I would later come to love, ironically none of which we actually played.
Fast forward to 2006, where the school came up with the idea of a combined arts concert, namely:
MyRIad - Esplanade Concert Hall, 28th May 2006
--- Raffles Voices, Raffles Institution Chinese Orchestra, RI String Ensemble, RI Guitar Ensemble and Handicapped Welfare Association repertoire long since faded from memory---
Carmen Fantasy (repeated from Prometheum X)
Highlights from Ragtime
It's A Small World (combined orchestra)(repeated from Unisono)
This would be the first concert I remember clearly, and my first in the Esplanade Concert Hall. As I would soon be leaving Singapore for almost a month, it was quite emotional, as by then my love for the band and my batch was strong. I remember vividly playing my heart out, as Mr Oura even turned and conducted the audience at points, and I remember standing up with a tear in my eye at the end of the concert, giving my batch hugs and watching the band bus/lorry drive off without me. I think MyRIad was important in preparing us for the main event of the year.
At the end of the year, sadly, my time in RIMB came to a close. However, as a sort of Coda to my time in RIMB I had my inaugural concert with the Raffles Winds, which was, of course:
Coda II - Victoria Concert Hall, 28th December 2006
Conzensus
Suite on Celtic Folk Songs
Danse Diabolique
Mononoke Hime Medley (repeated from Investiture 2004)
Overture for Vox Stellarum
----------------------------------------------------------
Ensembles (forgotten)
Saxophone Ensemble:
An American in Paris
The Pink Panther
Gulliver's Travels
Tong Hua
Highlights from Les Miserables
----------------------------------------------------------
It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
My first concert, in fact my first participation in a band outside of RIMB went very well. I enjoyed meeting the new people, especially the saxophonists who are really a great bunch, I got to know the RJCSB bari sax, which I still love, and the pieces challenged me to improve, all of which I enjoyed. Vox Stellarum was fun, composed by our own Wong Kah Chun, as was Tong Hua... eh wait sorry Tong Hua was composed by Jun'ichi Tanaka. Overall a nice experience.
Sadly, my entry to RJCSB was not as smooth, as I suddenly found myself alone, separated from the batch and band which I loved and being pretty much an outcast for the first half of the tenure. While that did not cause me to quit the band, the stable anchor of Mr Oura grounding me firmly, it did cause the next concert to be rather unsatisfying. That concert was, of course:
A Tempo XVIII - Raffles Junior College Performing Arts Centre, 9th/10th March 2009
Metroplex
La Mer
Kaze No Mai (repeat not counted)
Postcards from Singapore
Miss Saigon
--------------------------------------
Ensembles
And Then The Ocean Glows (repeat not counted)(Raffles Institution Military Band)
The Stars and Stripes Forever March (repeated from Prometheum XI)
Norweigian Dances
I Need To Be In Love
Sounds of the 60s
Silver Screen
---------------------------------------
Takarajima
This was a forgettable concert, especially the first night, where Mr Oura was not very happy with our playing. The second was better, but still not really satisfying. The fun part was mostly the new pieces, as I enjoyed pieces such as Silver Screen, Takarajima and my favourite march, The Stars and Stripes Forever (I think my recommendation was responsible for it being there). Listening to RIMB was great, though.
There followed a long hiatus in terms of performing, except for SYF and some minor events, and that in fact would be my last concert performance with RJCSB for the year. What happened next, which was all the way in December would be
Junior College Band Festival 2007 - Esplanade Concert Hall, 16th December 2007
Holst Band:
Cancion De Espana
October
Kaze No Mai (again and again)
Lerner and Loewe in Concert
Fennell Band:
Festival March
Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo
Japanese Graffiti XII
-------------------------------
Honour Band:
Festmusik der Stadt Wien
First Suite in E flat for Military Band
Der Traum Des Oenghus
El Camino Real
His Honour March
It is of interest to note that in this concert, the honour band played a piece by Holst (First Suite), Fennell (His Honour March) and a piece with Honour in its title. I was privileged to be in the Honour Band, and enjoyed it greatly. At first glance the repertoire was boring, and given my usual shyness, I thought I would not enjoy JCBF. Boy was I wrong. My section was small, but I got to know them and became friends, and the music turned out to be really good, leading to El Camino Real now being one of my favourite pieces. All in all a wonderful experience.
Concurrent with JCBF, Raffles Winds started up once again under a new resident conductor, Quan Hui, and this led to:
Coda III - Victoria Concert Hall, 26th December 2007
March and Procession of Bacchus (repeated from Prometheum XI)
Foster in my Mind
Morricone's Melody - Gabriel's Oboe
Peterloo Overture
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Variations
Ensembles (mostly forgotten)
Saxophone Ensemble:
Laputa - Castle in the Sky
Metro Gnome
Othello
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I Will Survive
Coda III was quite fun too, although it was still not much special, probably because my batch were mostly not involved in playing, nor in the audience. Technically it was ok, but not really impressive. Mainly I enjoyed being back with the alumni, who by then I had grown to know reasonably well. However RWinds was still not yet that major to me. This would, of course change later.
A few months later we had a mini concert to promote our major one in RJ. This was:
Play '08 - Raffles Junior College Lecture Theatre 2, 28th March 2008
Various random ensembles featuring percs and the same old brass quintet from A Tempo XVIII
Beauty and the Beast (repeated from Prometheum X)
Pirates of the Caribbean (repeated from Investiture 2006)
My Heart Will Go On
Shrek Dance Party
This was not really a conventional concert in the sense that it featured a stage play as well. The playing sucked, big time, but for some reason the audience enjoyed it. The concert also featured some insights into the running of the band and some of the notable flaws. Overall, one of the worse experiences in terms of concerts, although not without its enjoyment here and there. The main purpose of this was to provide some publicity for upcoming events.
In June we had the Japan trip with RIMB, leading to
The Second Regular Concert of the Fukui High School Band - Fukui Harmony Hall,
14th June 2008
---Fukui HS Band's repertoire largely forgotten besides 20th Century Fox Theme and Takarajima---
The Bandwagon (repeated from Prometheum XI)
Dance Celebration
Selections from The Merry Widow (repeated from Untitled)
The concert, while technically looking like a disaster next to a Japanese band, was fun and went well, including my interview on stage in Japanese. It was fun playing to a near full house in a nice concert hall, and I enjoyed it immensely. Food was much better than usual too.
And so 2008 came to a close, leading to a 6 month hiatus from band until A Tempo XX in 2009, which hopefully will go well. Coda V and Con Brio II are coming up too, leading to more fun with RWinds, which I have grown to love. All the best for the future!!
The more astute of you will have noticed that 3 concerts are missing from this list. Can you tell which ones?
Prometheum XI - Victoria Concert Hall, 21st July 2006
Silvercrest
Le Carnival Des Animaux
March and Procession of Bacchus
Jalan Jalan (repeated from Prometheum X and National Band Competition 2006)
Overture for Symphonic Band
Carmen Fantasy (repeated from Prometheum X and MyRIad)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Saxophone Ensemble:
Jazzablanca
The Stars and Stripes Forever
Percussion Ensemble:
Thunder and Lightning
Whistle While You Work (repeated from Band Fiesta)
Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines
The Bandwagon (repeated from Unisono)
Highlights from Ragtime (repeated from MyRIad)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Army of the Nile (repeated from Band Fiesta and National Band Competition 2006)
Spanish Fever (repeated from Band Fiesta)
This has to be the most significant concert to me of my career in RIMB, and ties for second in terms of overall impact on my band life. Why this isn't first would probably be for musical reasons, the repertoire wasn't that impressive and mostly repeats. However, RIMB was my family, and it felt magical playing on stage, hearing my name mispronounced during ensembles and enjoying the wonderful music. We all thought we wouldn't make it, but in the end it was beautiful, who cares about the technicalities when we all just played from our hearts. Highlights from Ragtime left me in tears at the end, and when we went back to RI, we were all so high when we cheered, and that is a memory I will treasure for life.
You may by now be wondering why the Japan trip is not down here, simply this is because this is a review solely on concerts, and what I loved about the Japan trip was much more than concerts. That, and there's a much longer review in my archives
A Tempo XIX - Esplanade Concert Hall, 26th May 2008
Army of the Nile (repeated from Band Fiesta, National Band Competition 2006 and Prometheum XI)
St Anthony Variations
American Salute
Romanza
Saga Maligna
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florentiner Marsch
Monument
Titanic Medley (repeated from Investiture 2006)
Utada Hikaru Vocal Selections (aka First Love/Addicted to You)
Jounetsu Tairiku
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Takarajima (repeated from A Tempo XVIII)
Tico Tico (repeated from Random Busking Along Orchard Road)
This concert ties with Prometheum XI for second place in terms of significance to me, but on the other end of the scale. Unlike in RIMB, RJCSB wasn't really a second home to me, although I had some good friends there. It just didn't feel as nice as RIMB was, maybe because of my own failures to put in effort and socialise, and not being in the core of the band as what I was used to was disappointing. I guess my life in RJCSB can really be represented by Saga Maligna, incorporating sadness, laughter, pain, indifference, remorse, hope and despair at various points.
What made the concert special was the scale of it, it was the largest scale concert I've ever played in. The music and standard were all impressive, and the repertoire was brilliant. Army of the Nile and Titanic Medley brought back fond memories of RIMB, Takarajima and Tico Tico left me feeling high and while we didn't play Saga Maligna and Monument as well as we could have, the two pieces, my favourites of the concert, are astounding.
It is somewhat interesting that what I consider to be the best and most significant concert of my band career is also the latest.
Coda IV - Victoria Concert Hall, 30th December 2008
Firework!
Armenian Dances pt. 1
A French Portrait
Highlights from Phantom of the Opera
---------------------------------------------------------
Saxophone Ensemble
Canon in D
Diamond State Rag
Percussion Ensemble
Brazillian Street Dance
ABBA Gold (repeated from REACT 2007 and RJC Open House 2007)
In The Mood
Queen's Park Melody
The Seventh Night of July
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Looney Tunes Overture
Simply put, Coda IV has been the best concert of my life to this date. Some of you may be wondering why this concert, not being as technically impressive as A Tempo, is my personal favourite, especially when it's not even a school band, but an alumni band. First off, the repertoire was really to die for, a good mix of classics, familiar tunes and original compositions by certain persons. All the pieces were enjoyable to play and I loved them. Technically, too, the band played better than it had ever done.
If Saga Maligna represents my life in RJCSB, then The Seventh Night of July has to represent my life in the Raffles Winds. The piece is one of my favourites, it's simple and so beautiful, so hopeful, and that's pretty much what life was like in Rwinds - simple and fun, and loving. Even the rather sad part near the end (perhaps representing the problems faced as a librarian) is shot down by hopeful and strong lines from the brass, culminating in the big finish that I love.
Coda IV presented me with the best of both worlds, a technically and musically good concert in a band that I felt a part of, and the feeling that the hard work I had put in had paid off. Overall the concert cycle was the best I'd experienced throughout my RWinds life, and it's going to be hard to match.
You may also be wondering why for the top spot I didn't choose a concert conducted by
That about concludes my review on my curriculum vitae on concerts, Hopefully you have gained something from reading this, even if it's only the knowledge that life in NS is boring enough for me to do this, and if you've read this far, I love you deep deep for it.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Band...
I'm finally back in the band scene after a 5+ month hiatus, and it feels good to be back. The wheels have started turning for Rwinds, and I'm confident that, as good as last year was for us, we can do much better this year. It's great to be back in RJCSB as well, to play under the baton of Mr Oura again and this time, to see my favourite juniors alongside, in fact, it almost feels like RIMB 2006 all over again.
On the other hand, having things to do for the bands brings with it a level of stress I haven't experienced in a while, thanks also to the fact that I am now working, and this post is probably going to be a rant designed to let a lot of that stress out. Physically, my schedule is screwed up and I'm wondering if it was such a good idea to commit to both RJ and Rwinds, with a result that my day looks something like wake up at 3:30am, work from 5 to 3, go for prac till 7+, come back and search for chalets etc for Rwinds. On the other hand, from experience, I know that such efforts will come with rewards and the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of my labour, so I shall not slack off!
Yesterday's RJ prac, however, wasn't really that good. Mr Oura wasn't all too happy with the band, and I can see why. It's really sad to see that most of the J2s aren't committed to playing for the band for this concert, and I was surprised at the low number who are. Last year this was the case for SIBF, but SIBF was a minor competition compared to the A Tempo in May, so perhaps it's more understandable why my batch never committed.
On the other hand, when Mr Oura commented on how disappointed he was with my own batch last year, I felt as though I was shot straight in the heart with a SAR21, but at the same time I couldn't help but agree. It's really disappointing to see the effect the current culture of the school has on the band, and it's unfair to those who do their best and want to see the band improve.
For my own part, I'm also disappointed in myself. If I'm guest playing for this concert I need to play my best, and I think my playing yesterday was substandard, no, it was downright bad. I can't use the excuse that I need to get back in shape because my playing on Saturday was much better. But what's done is done, and the importance now is in improving. The good thing is that I now have photocopies of some of the harder pieces, especially Shichi-Go-San, so I can study the scores in my own time.
Speaking of scores, another thing I should probably do is settle my own missing scores as best I can, especially Army of the Nile and Takarajima, which we played last year. If I can't find those around I suppose I should borrow the conductor's score and type them out myself. Just because I'm a guest player doesn't mean I should have the mentality that the members of the band need to prepare everything for me, yeah? Speaking from experience as an Rwinds librarian, I think the poor RJ librarians have enough trouble already.
I really feel for my juniors, those who are committed and give their all to the band, they deserve much better than what the band has now, but circumstances conspire against them. For my part, I will do my best for the band that I love so much, and help out where I can.
Speaking of which, Rwinds pracs are going to start soon, and I hope that I will not have to make the choice between the bands, although this is not likely. I need to buck up as the Rwinds librarian too, and not repeat the mistakes made last year.
Well, I guess when you make band your life, you have to take the downs with the ups. In the end, though, I hope it'll all be worth it, that I see Mr Oura's smile as the band stands up after A Tempo on the Esplanade's stage, that I'll enjoy good food and fun times with Rwinds on the first prac and the chalet, and that Coda V will trounce Coda IV in every way possible. If we can achieve that, it'll all have been worth it.
On the other hand, having things to do for the bands brings with it a level of stress I haven't experienced in a while, thanks also to the fact that I am now working, and this post is probably going to be a rant designed to let a lot of that stress out. Physically, my schedule is screwed up and I'm wondering if it was such a good idea to commit to both RJ and Rwinds, with a result that my day looks something like wake up at 3:30am, work from 5 to 3, go for prac till 7+, come back and search for chalets etc for Rwinds. On the other hand, from experience, I know that such efforts will come with rewards and the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of my labour, so I shall not slack off!
Yesterday's RJ prac, however, wasn't really that good. Mr Oura wasn't all too happy with the band, and I can see why. It's really sad to see that most of the J2s aren't committed to playing for the band for this concert, and I was surprised at the low number who are. Last year this was the case for SIBF, but SIBF was a minor competition compared to the A Tempo in May, so perhaps it's more understandable why my batch never committed.
On the other hand, when Mr Oura commented on how disappointed he was with my own batch last year, I felt as though I was shot straight in the heart with a SAR21, but at the same time I couldn't help but agree. It's really disappointing to see the effect the current culture of the school has on the band, and it's unfair to those who do their best and want to see the band improve.
For my own part, I'm also disappointed in myself. If I'm guest playing for this concert I need to play my best, and I think my playing yesterday was substandard, no, it was downright bad. I can't use the excuse that I need to get back in shape because my playing on Saturday was much better. But what's done is done, and the importance now is in improving. The good thing is that I now have photocopies of some of the harder pieces, especially Shichi-Go-San, so I can study the scores in my own time.
Speaking of scores, another thing I should probably do is settle my own missing scores as best I can, especially Army of the Nile and Takarajima, which we played last year. If I can't find those around I suppose I should borrow the conductor's score and type them out myself. Just because I'm a guest player doesn't mean I should have the mentality that the members of the band need to prepare everything for me, yeah? Speaking from experience as an Rwinds librarian, I think the poor RJ librarians have enough trouble already.
I really feel for my juniors, those who are committed and give their all to the band, they deserve much better than what the band has now, but circumstances conspire against them. For my part, I will do my best for the band that I love so much, and help out where I can.
Speaking of which, Rwinds pracs are going to start soon, and I hope that I will not have to make the choice between the bands, although this is not likely. I need to buck up as the Rwinds librarian too, and not repeat the mistakes made last year.
Well, I guess when you make band your life, you have to take the downs with the ups. In the end, though, I hope it'll all be worth it, that I see Mr Oura's smile as the band stands up after A Tempo on the Esplanade's stage, that I'll enjoy good food and fun times with Rwinds on the first prac and the chalet, and that Coda V will trounce Coda IV in every way possible. If we can achieve that, it'll all have been worth it.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Maybe when I wake up this nightmare will be over...
Note: This is a post born out of sheer desperation and frustration at certain recent events, however, as the viewpoints below may be sensitive to some, they have been translated.
Πρέπει πραγματικά να σπάσω απότομα από το, αυτά τα συναισθήματα της μοναξιάς και την απελπισία. Πρέπει να προχωρήσω με τη ζωή μου, και πρέπει να σταματήσω ανάλογα με άλλους στο σημείο της προσκόλλησης σε τους, επειδή it' το s μη καλό, στο τέλος αυτό βλάπτει περισσότερων. Αλλά Ι πραγματικά don' το τ ξέρει πώς… Ι haven' το τ που βλέπει τους ανθρώπους που χρησιμοποίησαν για να σημάνουν τόσο μεγάλο μέρος σε με για πολύ, με μερικές εξαιρέσεις. Οι προηγούμενες λίγες εβδομάδες I' VE αισθαμένος πραγματικά κάτω και έξω, και συνεχίζω ότι η ζωή θα επέστρεφε σε κανονικό, αλλά ξέρω that' s μη πιθανό. Η ζωή πρέπει να πάει, φυσικά, αλλά it' s μη εύκολο εξετάζοντας τέτοια πράγματα. Ξέρω ότι οι φίλοι μου είναι ακόμα εκεί, αλλά it' s τόσο σκληρό για με να φθάσω σε τους σήμερα ότι μπορούν επίσης να μην είναι. Ξέρω it' s nobody' ελάττωμα του s, αλλά επιθυμώ ότι τα πράγματα ήταν διαφορετικά… Η εξέταση τη J1 batch με καθιστά τώρα ζηλότυπο, με τέτοιο τρόπο ώστε, ο οποίος Ι don' το τ έχει μια θέση για να καλέσει το σπίτι άλλο, ακόμη και στο χρόνο μου σε RJ θα ήμουν σε θέση ακόμα να δω τους φίλους μου… Και μιλώντας για J1s πρέπει πραγματικά να σταματήσω τους τόσο συχνά. Υποθέτω that' s η μόνη σταθερότητα που έχω στη ζωή μου τώρα, και they' επαν πραγματικά μεγάλοι άνθρωποι, αλλά that' s πραγματικά όχι μια δικαιολογία για με για να συνεχίσω κάτω από εκεί. Επιθυμώ ότι θα μπορούσα ακριβώς να πάω πίσω στις ημέρες RIMB το 2006 ή RJC το 2008… τέτοιοι ευτυχέστεροι χρόνοι που δεν μπορώ πλέον να έχω…
You know what the whole irony is? I want people to understand my viewpoint but I'm posting this in Greek.
Πρέπει πραγματικά να σπάσω απότομα από το, αυτά τα συναισθήματα της μοναξιάς και την απελπισία. Πρέπει να προχωρήσω με τη ζωή μου, και πρέπει να σταματήσω ανάλογα με άλλους στο σημείο της προσκόλλησης σε τους, επειδή it' το s μη καλό, στο τέλος αυτό βλάπτει περισσότερων. Αλλά Ι πραγματικά don' το τ ξέρει πώς… Ι haven' το τ που βλέπει τους ανθρώπους που χρησιμοποίησαν για να σημάνουν τόσο μεγάλο μέρος σε με για πολύ, με μερικές εξαιρέσεις. Οι προηγούμενες λίγες εβδομάδες I' VE αισθαμένος πραγματικά κάτω και έξω, και συνεχίζω ότι η ζωή θα επέστρεφε σε κανονικό, αλλά ξέρω that' s μη πιθανό. Η ζωή πρέπει να πάει, φυσικά, αλλά it' s μη εύκολο εξετάζοντας τέτοια πράγματα. Ξέρω ότι οι φίλοι μου είναι ακόμα εκεί, αλλά it' s τόσο σκληρό για με να φθάσω σε τους σήμερα ότι μπορούν επίσης να μην είναι. Ξέρω it' s nobody' ελάττωμα του s, αλλά επιθυμώ ότι τα πράγματα ήταν διαφορετικά… Η εξέταση τη J1 batch με καθιστά τώρα ζηλότυπο, με τέτοιο τρόπο ώστε, ο οποίος Ι don' το τ έχει μια θέση για να καλέσει το σπίτι άλλο, ακόμη και στο χρόνο μου σε RJ θα ήμουν σε θέση ακόμα να δω τους φίλους μου… Και μιλώντας για J1s πρέπει πραγματικά να σταματήσω τους τόσο συχνά. Υποθέτω that' s η μόνη σταθερότητα που έχω στη ζωή μου τώρα, και they' επαν πραγματικά μεγάλοι άνθρωποι, αλλά that' s πραγματικά όχι μια δικαιολογία για με για να συνεχίσω κάτω από εκεί. Επιθυμώ ότι θα μπορούσα ακριβώς να πάω πίσω στις ημέρες RIMB το 2006 ή RJC το 2008… τέτοιοι ευτυχέστεροι χρόνοι που δεν μπορώ πλέον να έχω…
You know what the whole irony is? I want people to understand my viewpoint but I'm posting this in Greek.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
FFI
Today I went to collect my A level cert, and in the process, did some crashing/raiding/advertising on behalf of Rwinds. I always love visiting RJ and RI, and seeing Mr Oura today was nice. Quite good response from the RI Sec 4s, let's hope they show up and make Rwinds the best it can be for the RI concert and for Coda V.
I don't know quite how to describe the feeling of being around the RJ juniors, especially the J1s. On the one hand a little awkward since I'm not really in their batches, or for that matter in the band. On the other hand, it's a good feeling to be around them, since they're so welcoming and so energetic that it feels almost like being back there.
I guess when you're feeling stressed or down, sometimes solace and help can be found in the most unexpected places. In my case I've found it in my juniors, particularly one of them, who've been really a great help recently, providing either free entertainment (eg Samuel and Ryan) or more importantly, a listening ear for some troubles I've been having, and if you're reading this, thanks, I have no idea how I'm gonna repay you.
If only I could drop by Bishan more on the way from Murai to Siglap...
I don't know quite how to describe the feeling of being around the RJ juniors, especially the J1s. On the one hand a little awkward since I'm not really in their batches, or for that matter in the band. On the other hand, it's a good feeling to be around them, since they're so welcoming and so energetic that it feels almost like being back there.
I guess when you're feeling stressed or down, sometimes solace and help can be found in the most unexpected places. In my case I've found it in my juniors, particularly one of them, who've been really a great help recently, providing either free entertainment (eg Samuel and Ryan) or more importantly, a listening ear for some troubles I've been having, and if you're reading this, thanks, I have no idea how I'm gonna repay you.
If only I could drop by Bishan more on the way from Murai to Siglap...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Tempo XIX + 1
One year on since what I believe has to be the biggest concert of my life. I'm sad to say however, that it was not what it could have been for me as compared to concerts such as Prometheum XI and Coda IV. Why this is the case, though, shall for now remain in Japanese somewhere below. Despite this it was a good concert, and one that I enjoyed playing in, as it was both technically good and musically entertaining and engaging, and I think the audience loved it too. We had a mix of the emotional (Saga Maligna), majestic (Monument), classical (St Anthony), romantic (Romanza), marches, pop, and of course, Titanic Medley. What did others think of it?
"It's a feeling hard to describe. If you take RJCSB, remove all the girls and the newcomers, and slot our Sec 4 batch in, we'd have RIMB '06. And surely, no one will be able to forget aobut the times we had, the songs we sang together?
RIMB '06 occupies a special, inerasable part of my heart.
Of course, A Tempo was filled with many solos, especially by Jeremy, Chester, and Matthew. However their standard was humbling. It definitely made our band, especially us Sec 4s, the graduating batch of this year, think. It was a clear reminder that there is so much more we can achieve, so much more that we can do. "-わたし
"IT WAS SO DAMN PRO!
True, there was no ultra-flashy stuff like that which we had at Prometheum XII
But musically speaking, everything was brilliant. There may not be such a thing as a perfect performance, but this is was as close to it as you could get. Tuning, tone, rhythm, technicality, everything was very, very PRO." ショ-ティ アン
"a tempo xix it was a really cool concert, after all it's by our seniors ^^. it was technically impressive but that didn't mean it wasn't entertaining, it was totally totally worth the buck." - アラスタ
"it has been a honor" -ベン
"In the end I feel as a whole that the concert was a rousing success. The audience thought we played brilliantly, and everyone left the concert happy. I guess no matter how divided our band has been, we, for a brief moment of time, felt as one." ショ-ティ アン
"Don't worry, all our mistakes will be recorded in HD (high-definition)" ジャラル ド
"It's a feeling hard to describe. If you take RJCSB, remove all the girls and the newcomers, and slot our Sec 4 batch in, we'd have RIMB '06. And surely, no one will be able to forget aobut the times we had, the songs we sang together?
RIMB '06 occupies a special, inerasable part of my heart.
Of course, A Tempo was filled with many solos, especially by Jeremy, Chester, and Matthew. However their standard was humbling. It definitely made our band, especially us Sec 4s, the graduating batch of this year, think. It was a clear reminder that there is so much more we can achieve, so much more that we can do. "-わたし
"IT WAS SO DAMN PRO!
True, there was no ultra-flashy stuff like that which we had at Prometheum XII
But musically speaking, everything was brilliant. There may not be such a thing as a perfect performance, but this is was as close to it as you could get. Tuning, tone, rhythm, technicality, everything was very, very PRO." ショ-ティ アン
"a tempo xix it was a really cool concert, after all it's by our seniors ^^. it was technically impressive but that didn't mean it wasn't entertaining, it was totally totally worth the buck." - アラスタ
"it has been a honor" -ベン
"In the end I feel as a whole that the concert was a rousing success. The audience thought we played brilliantly, and everyone left the concert happy. I guess no matter how divided our band has been, we, for a brief moment of time, felt as one." ショ-ティ アン
"Don't worry, all our mistakes will be recorded in HD (high-definition)" ジャラル ド
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
После длиннего дня работы…
Я желаю что было кто-нибудь которое смогло научить мне как помочь им от становления как мы были назад вовремя. К им оно значит много, и я могу увидеть то. К мне также, I' ve всегда чувствовал близко к им. Я надеюсь оно doesn' t приходит пройти что они последуют за нашим руководством… Я даже делая правильную вещь?
100th Anniversary
This is the 100th post on my blog! All the way from Sec 4 till now, although I haven't been updating it all too regularly. It's captured a few scenes of my life, but mostly, my concerts as well as those significant ones I've watched, and I think those have been the key posts in my blog, covering:
myRIad - 28th May 2006
Prometheum XI - 21st July 2006
Coda II - 28th December 2006
A Tempo XVIII - 9th/10th March 2007
Singapore Youth Festival - 11th May 2007
Con Brio - 6th July 2007
Junior College Band Festival - 16th December 2007
Coda III - 26th December 2007
Prometheum XII - 15th May 2008
A Tempo XIX - 26th May 2008
The whole Japan trip, represented by concert day 9th-16th June 2008, concert on the 14th
Singapore International Band Festival 2008 - 24th July 2008
Coda IV - 30th December 2008
Coda V - 30th December 2009
More such posts will come as more milestones are hit I guess. Thanks to my blog for recording the significant events in my life.
myRIad - 28th May 2006
Prometheum XI - 21st July 2006
Coda II - 28th December 2006
A Tempo XVIII - 9th/10th March 2007
Singapore Youth Festival - 11th May 2007
Con Brio - 6th July 2007
Junior College Band Festival - 16th December 2007
Coda III - 26th December 2007
Prometheum XII - 15th May 2008
A Tempo XIX - 26th May 2008
The whole Japan trip, represented by concert day 9th-16th June 2008, concert on the 14th
Singapore International Band Festival 2008 - 24th July 2008
Coda IV - 30th December 2008
Coda V - 30th December 2009
More such posts will come as more milestones are hit I guess. Thanks to my blog for recording the significant events in my life.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
5 years ago..
My first performance on stage at Victoria Concert Hall, now the site of many fond memories of Prometheums and Codas past. My first major concert as part of my band life, my first Prometheum. It's been a long time, and I've come far, but I haven't forgotten what it was like to be on that stage for the first time.
And an update to my earlier post
I' ve는 지금 막 나의 심혼에 귀중한 누군가와 가진 대화가 있고, 나는 그를 위해 걱정되고 그가 안으로 믿는 무슨을을 위해. 나는 그 he'를 희망한다; 도로 I'의 아래 저를 따르기 위하여 가지 않는 s; 가지고 가는 ve, 때문에 it' s 아주 즐거운 것 아닙니다. 나는 나가 2007 aren'에서 그 당시에는 직면한 문제 희망한다; 나가 더 이른 포스트에서 언급했다시피, 재포장하기 위하여 가는 t는 거기 I' 몇몇 것이다; d 오히려 잃지 않기 위하여, 그리고 이것은 그들중 하나이다. 특히 나는 나가 할 수 있는 것처럼 나가 좋다는 것을 친구 희망한다, 그리고 아무것이, 필요의 그의 시간에서 그를 지원하는 경우에, 그리고 그 문제에 관해서는 이 대본에서 포함되는 누군가. 나는 또한 아무도가 그것을 이해할 수 있을 때문에 Babelfish가 이것을 이렇게 잘 위로 난도질한ㄴ다는 것을 희망한다.
And an update to my earlier post
I' ve는 지금 막 나의 심혼에 귀중한 누군가와 가진 대화가 있고, 나는 그를 위해 걱정되고 그가 안으로 믿는 무슨을을 위해. 나는 그 he'를 희망한다; 도로 I'의 아래 저를 따르기 위하여 가지 않는 s; 가지고 가는 ve, 때문에 it' s 아주 즐거운 것 아닙니다. 나는 나가 2007 aren'에서 그 당시에는 직면한 문제 희망한다; 나가 더 이른 포스트에서 언급했다시피, 재포장하기 위하여 가는 t는 거기 I' 몇몇 것이다; d 오히려 잃지 않기 위하여, 그리고 이것은 그들중 하나이다. 특히 나는 나가 할 수 있는 것처럼 나가 좋다는 것을 친구 희망한다, 그리고 아무것이, 필요의 그의 시간에서 그를 지원하는 경우에, 그리고 그 문제에 관해서는 이 대본에서 포함되는 누군가. 나는 또한 아무도가 그것을 이해할 수 있을 때문에 Babelfish가 이것을 이렇게 잘 위로 난도질한ㄴ다는 것을 희망한다.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Raffles Bands
And so, RJCSB has gotten a decent gold for SYF. It's not the gold with honours they deserved, considering the amount of effort the band put in, but I think they played really well. It's true that it may have been a little better, but I think that from the recording, you can tell it's top class. If you can't, perhaps this should be good enough for you.
takehiro says: anyway, you guys moust be proud of your performance of today
takehiro says: to tell people of the world singapore school band is able to play Ravel's music so well
takehiro says: matured manners, musicality,
takehiro says: it is different level of the gold you got that the gold acjc got (I can only compare with acjc, cos only listened to them today)
takehiro says: (11:26:22 PM)i was happy and enjoyed the time spend time with you last 3weeks
takehiro says: (11:27:04 PM)every practice improved
On another note, there are some other things I'd like to talk about, but since they may be sensitive, they have been translated in a very inaccurate manner, so if you want the original, ask me.
私はthere'を実現する; まれのs時I' 私の過去、バンドとラッフルの学校の私の生命について考えないmように 全体。 このisn' 必ずしもt悪い事、しかしit' やや消費しているようになり始めるs。 私は量をの仮定する フリータイム私は128 hasn'で持っている; 助けられるtしかしそれはある興味深い反射をもたらした。 主に、I' 現在のJ1バッチを長い間見ているveおよびI don' tは十分になぜ理解する。 多分it' s 私のバッチがだったかもしれないならないまたは多分it'もの私がそれらで見るので; 先輩としてsのでの 2年、I' それらが秒1の始めから今まで育ち、私が助けたことを望むのを見られるve この成長。 私はこれが私達の下に私達のバッチおよびバッチの1つの達成、育てるために彼らのバッチをであることを仮定する それがであるものに、しかし私達can' それのためのtの取得信用。 彼らのバッチを構成する人々は特別な何かがある それは示す。 実用的な標準はRIMBでしばらく見られないレベルしかしit'にある; sちょうどそれ。 RJでは、私のバッチはよく、すべてだったが、私が家に呼ぶことができる私は少なくとも少数を知っていることそれは決して実際に場所ではなかったし 私のバッチ分け前の他感情。 実際に人々としてバッチでき事のように、感じられたバッチ夕食は決して通常なかった 、私に出場できなくされて、私は決して私がバッチに実際に属したことを感じなかったし。 但し、J1sと、I' 多くを感じるために作られるm 歓迎および私の自身のバッチより誘われて。 例えば" Nahはのこれあなたのhome"である; または引用されるこの効果への何か ベン著私がバッチ夕食を衝突するために謝った場合の。 It' sの小さい事は挨拶のようなこれを、との好む 私が最後の水曜日そして話すことバレーゼに私のすばらしい後輩に入ったときに完全にのあたりで、Jerald、ベン、デイヴィッドは微笑する、 サミュエル、Alastair等It' s私が私に少しを悲しくそのI'余りにさせる、私の自身のバッチと決して実際に感じなかったちょうど何か; mない それらの友情を造るバッチおよび機会で限られていなさいありなさい。 私のjuniors'を読むこと; ブログは私によってが行った同じ旅行によってまたかなり興味深く、基本的にそれらを行く見る 私の6年中の自分自身を通して、ちょっと第3人の見通し。 当然it' s完全に同じ、しかしI ある平行を見ることができる。 但し、私はそれらが大いによくすること確信しているより私持っている感じる。
Ok the above post is a demonstration of why an air force signaller has too much time on his hands. Shall not elaborate too much more. Looking forward to A Tempo XX, the big 20.
takehiro says: anyway, you guys moust be proud of your performance of today
takehiro says: to tell people of the world singapore school band is able to play Ravel's music so well
takehiro says: matured manners, musicality,
takehiro says: it is different level of the gold you got that the gold acjc got (I can only compare with acjc, cos only listened to them today)
takehiro says: (11:26:22 PM)i was happy and enjoyed the time spend time with you last 3weeks
takehiro says: (11:27:04 PM)every practice improved
On another note, there are some other things I'd like to talk about, but since they may be sensitive, they have been translated in a very inaccurate manner, so if you want the original, ask me.
私はthere'を実現する; まれのs時I' 私の過去、バンドとラッフルの学校の私の生命について考えないmように 全体。 このisn' 必ずしもt悪い事、しかしit' やや消費しているようになり始めるs。 私は量をの仮定する フリータイム私は128 hasn'で持っている; 助けられるtしかしそれはある興味深い反射をもたらした。 主に、I' 現在のJ1バッチを長い間見ているveおよびI don' tは十分になぜ理解する。 多分it' s 私のバッチがだったかもしれないならないまたは多分it'もの私がそれらで見るので; 先輩としてsのでの 2年、I' それらが秒1の始めから今まで育ち、私が助けたことを望むのを見られるve この成長。 私はこれが私達の下に私達のバッチおよびバッチの1つの達成、育てるために彼らのバッチをであることを仮定する それがであるものに、しかし私達can' それのためのtの取得信用。 彼らのバッチを構成する人々は特別な何かがある それは示す。 実用的な標準はRIMBでしばらく見られないレベルしかしit'にある; sちょうどそれ。 RJでは、私のバッチはよく、すべてだったが、私が家に呼ぶことができる私は少なくとも少数を知っていることそれは決して実際に場所ではなかったし 私のバッチ分け前の他感情。 実際に人々としてバッチでき事のように、感じられたバッチ夕食は決して通常なかった 、私に出場できなくされて、私は決して私がバッチに実際に属したことを感じなかったし。 但し、J1sと、I' 多くを感じるために作られるm 歓迎および私の自身のバッチより誘われて。 例えば" Nahはのこれあなたのhome"である; または引用されるこの効果への何か ベン著私がバッチ夕食を衝突するために謝った場合の。 It' sの小さい事は挨拶のようなこれを、との好む 私が最後の水曜日そして話すことバレーゼに私のすばらしい後輩に入ったときに完全にのあたりで、Jerald、ベン、デイヴィッドは微笑する、 サミュエル、Alastair等It' s私が私に少しを悲しくそのI'余りにさせる、私の自身のバッチと決して実際に感じなかったちょうど何か; mない それらの友情を造るバッチおよび機会で限られていなさいありなさい。 私のjuniors'を読むこと; ブログは私によってが行った同じ旅行によってまたかなり興味深く、基本的にそれらを行く見る 私の6年中の自分自身を通して、ちょっと第3人の見通し。 当然it' s完全に同じ、しかしI ある平行を見ることができる。 但し、私はそれらが大いによくすること確信しているより私持っている感じる。
Ok the above post is a demonstration of why an air force signaller has too much time on his hands. Shall not elaborate too much more. Looking forward to A Tempo XX, the big 20.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
SYF 2009
Well for the secondary schools, SYF is over, and I must say that the results have been nothing less than shocking. Having said that though, I'm proud of the juniors of RIMB for the way they've handled all this. I must say that our batch would probably never have come out of such a setback as well as they have.
"we are a band of brothers. not a silver band. nor even just a gold band (which we deserve, some might argue), but a band made up of brothers. thats not a colour of a medal you can get, can you?"- RIMB
"we are a band of brothers. not a silver band. nor even just a gold band (which we deserve, some might argue), but a band made up of brothers. thats not a colour of a medal you can get, can you?"- RIMB
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Out of Tekong
As I type this post, I am sitting on the second floor of the world's largest passenger airliner, the Airbus A380-800, at around FL400 above the city of Berlin. I have recently passed out of BMT, and am now on my way to New York via London. So far the flight has been excellent, as is expected of Singapore Airlines, and it is rather sad that there's only an hour or so of the flight left. I will report on the trip later, but for now, reflections on some recent events.
The A level results have been released, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had done well. So far it seems that almost everyone is satisfied with their grades, at least the people that I know. To those that are, congrats and keep it up. To those who aren't, don't worry, the A levels aren't everything. Don't lose hope and things will turn out for the best.
BMT for me was a short one, being PES C, but I found it enjoyable, the only real problem I had was the lack of contact with my home and the real world. I'm not sure how much I'm at liberty to describe, so I shall use some of the more memorable quotes from BMT instead.
"You want me to send you all home and watch TV is it? I can order KFC for you also!" - Medic
"Sucks to be you" - 3SG Joseph
"What the f***" - 2LT Shane
"If you all don't march properly i'll make you sing the Star Wars song (Imperial March) and march" - 2SG Nurudin
"Nice!" - 2LT Ajay
"Ming bai ma?" - 2LT Ben
"You all are trying to make my blood boil is it?" - 3SG Ismail
"Do you realise that your targets are a little bigger" - 2LT Shane
"You deserve a megamac!" - 2LT Shane
"Should we give them the small one, the medium one, the big one, or shall we give them the whole family?" - 2LT Ajay
I guess in all, BMT was enriching and fun. HG and BTP were definitely the highlights for me, although I'm disappointed that I couldn't do much for field camp.
I suppose I shall continue later with reports from my trip to the US and UK, and I do look forward to seeing my friends again when I return.
The A level results have been released, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had done well. So far it seems that almost everyone is satisfied with their grades, at least the people that I know. To those that are, congrats and keep it up. To those who aren't, don't worry, the A levels aren't everything. Don't lose hope and things will turn out for the best.
BMT for me was a short one, being PES C, but I found it enjoyable, the only real problem I had was the lack of contact with my home and the real world. I'm not sure how much I'm at liberty to describe, so I shall use some of the more memorable quotes from BMT instead.
"You want me to send you all home and watch TV is it? I can order KFC for you also!" - Medic
"Sucks to be you" - 3SG Joseph
"What the f***" - 2LT Shane
"If you all don't march properly i'll make you sing the Star Wars song (Imperial March) and march" - 2SG Nurudin
"Nice!" - 2LT Ajay
"Ming bai ma?" - 2LT Ben
"You all are trying to make my blood boil is it?" - 3SG Ismail
"Do you realise that your targets are a little bigger" - 2LT Shane
"You deserve a megamac!" - 2LT Shane
"Should we give them the small one, the medium one, the big one, or shall we give them the whole family?" - 2LT Ajay
I guess in all, BMT was enriching and fun. HG and BTP were definitely the highlights for me, although I'm disappointed that I couldn't do much for field camp.
I suppose I shall continue later with reports from my trip to the US and UK, and I do look forward to seeing my friends again when I return.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Another quiz from Jinjun
Rules: Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real...nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.
1. What is your name: Aaron
2. A four Letter Word: Aims
3. A boy's Name: Andy
4. A girl's Name: Angelina
5. An occupation: Aviation Operations Specialist (AOS)
6. A color: Amber
7. Something you'll wear: A T-shirt (cheating haha but the only item of clothing I can think of is an anorak and I usually do not wear that)
8. A food: Angus steak
9. Something found in the bathroom: A mirror (ok now I really can't think of anything)
10. A place: Asia
11. A reason for being late: Accident
12. Something you'd shout: argh
13. A movie title: And The Band Played On
14. Something you drink: Apple juice
15. A musical group: Anderson Military Band
16. An animal: Aardvark
17. A street name: Avenue Q (it doesn't have to be a real street does it)
18. A type of car: Aston Martin DB9/DBS/Vantage/Vanquish etc
19. The title of a song: And Then The Ocean Glows
20. A verb: Aim
1. What is your name: Aaron
2. A four Letter Word: Aims
3. A boy's Name: Andy
4. A girl's Name: Angelina
5. An occupation: Aviation Operations Specialist (AOS)
6. A color: Amber
7. Something you'll wear: A T-shirt (cheating haha but the only item of clothing I can think of is an anorak and I usually do not wear that)
8. A food: Angus steak
9. Something found in the bathroom: A mirror (ok now I really can't think of anything)
10. A place: Asia
11. A reason for being late: Accident
12. Something you'd shout: argh
13. A movie title: And The Band Played On
14. Something you drink: Apple juice
15. A musical group: Anderson Military Band
16. An animal: Aardvark
17. A street name: Avenue Q (it doesn't have to be a real street does it)
18. A type of car: Aston Martin DB9/DBS/Vantage/Vanquish etc
19. The title of a song: And Then The Ocean Glows
20. A verb: Aim
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Conscript reporting
Well this is it. The moment no one's been waiting for, but one that we all must face. In about 11 hours time I will cease to be a civillian and be enlisted into the Singapore Armed Forces as a recruit. I cannot honestly say that I am looking forward to BMT, frankly, especially considering I'm going to know no one in my platoon (almost sure of the fact due to PES status).
I suppose I should try to look on the bright side. The long confinement is going to be a killer at 18 days, but once that's over, that's 50% of my BMT done. I guess PES C BMT, while not a holiday camp, won't be as tough as the poor enhanced guys who've been sharing horror stories. And I hope I can meet some good people, maybe forge some new bonds.
I kind of wish I had people who actually cared I'm going in tomorrow still around, but I guess most of them are already enjoying Disneyland Tekong. Oh well, I suppose all I can do is do my best to survive and hopefully come out of BMT a better person.
There is one old slogan I think I'll carry around with me for motivation
We Should, We Must, We Can, We Will (+ common sense - Mr Oura)
I suppose I should try to look on the bright side. The long confinement is going to be a killer at 18 days, but once that's over, that's 50% of my BMT done. I guess PES C BMT, while not a holiday camp, won't be as tough as the poor enhanced guys who've been sharing horror stories. And I hope I can meet some good people, maybe forge some new bonds.
I kind of wish I had people who actually cared I'm going in tomorrow still around, but I guess most of them are already enjoying Disneyland Tekong. Oh well, I suppose all I can do is do my best to survive and hopefully come out of BMT a better person.
There is one old slogan I think I'll carry around with me for motivation
We Should, We Must, We Can, We Will (+ common sense - Mr Oura)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Yet another Jinjun quiz
1. How many months are there until your birthday?
-2
2. Have you gotten gum stuck in your hair?
Nope
3.When was the last time you got straight A’s?
PSLE, I think that's the last time most people got them
4. Where is your sister/brother right now?
At church
5. Is your handwriting large, tiny, or pretty normal?
Pretty average
6. Are you currently listening to a song?
Well I was listening to Takarajima from Jinjun's blog 30 seconds ago
7. Do you have a cell phone?
Duh?
8. Do you own any kind of yellow clothing?
My favourite World Cup 2006 shirt
9. What do you hate about the opposite sex?
The sheer difficulty of reading them and keeping them happy
10. How many piercings do you have?
None
11. What time is it?
0920z
12.What color are your eyes?
Black
13. How are you today?
Bored, a little depressed and counting the days down to POC
14. How long does it take you to shower?
Quite fast, I'm not like some people who sing the whole day there
15. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car?
Yes, I think not wearing the seatbelt when my mother drives is just suicidal.
16. What jewelery do you wear all the time?
Not a bit
17. What would you say if your doc. told you were pregnant?
Then I would question the doctor's medical abilities as well as his common sense.
18.Do you believe in aliens?
I don't really believe we'll find any, but it's plausible
19. Any siblings?
One
20. What are you doing tomorrow?
Absolutely nothing
21. Tell me a story about a scar you have.
I don't appear to have any
22. What color are your socks?
Mostly white
23. How long is your hair?
Too long
24. What school do you go to?
Basic Military Training Center School 2 (In a few days time)
25. What are you allergic to?
Airbus A320s
26. Can others make you cry easily?
Yes, especially one Mr Yagisawa.
27. Whos house did you last go to?
Jinjun
28. Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?
From some random place
29. Who is your best friend?
Hmm it's hard to say really, but scroll down one entry and you should find the most likely answer.
30. Do you know what you are going to wear tomorrow?
I'll just take whatever's on top
37. What are your favorite color(s)?
Green, gold
38. Do you know anyone who lives in another state?
In passing
39. Are you easily confused?
This question is confusing
40. Who have you talked on phone today?
Paul!!!
41. How has the past week been?
EXTREMELY BORING
42. Do you like anyone at the moment?
Quite a few people?
43.What made you happy today?
My com's back in action
44.Do you like thunderstorms?
Unless I'm caught in them, yeah
45. Do you watch Hannah Montana?
Please no
46. When’s the last time you cried?
Just
48. What’s the weather like right now?
Too hot! It's 24 degrees celsius! Sigh I miss HK's and Egypt's weather.
-2
2. Have you gotten gum stuck in your hair?
Nope
3.When was the last time you got straight A’s?
PSLE, I think that's the last time most people got them
4. Where is your sister/brother right now?
At church
5. Is your handwriting large, tiny, or pretty normal?
Pretty average
6. Are you currently listening to a song?
Well I was listening to Takarajima from Jinjun's blog 30 seconds ago
7. Do you have a cell phone?
Duh?
8. Do you own any kind of yellow clothing?
My favourite World Cup 2006 shirt
9. What do you hate about the opposite sex?
The sheer difficulty of reading them and keeping them happy
10. How many piercings do you have?
None
11. What time is it?
0920z
12.What color are your eyes?
Black
13. How are you today?
Bored, a little depressed and counting the days down to POC
14. How long does it take you to shower?
Quite fast, I'm not like some people who sing the whole day there
15. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car?
Yes, I think not wearing the seatbelt when my mother drives is just suicidal.
16. What jewelery do you wear all the time?
Not a bit
17. What would you say if your doc. told you were pregnant?
Then I would question the doctor's medical abilities as well as his common sense.
18.Do you believe in aliens?
I don't really believe we'll find any, but it's plausible
19. Any siblings?
One
20. What are you doing tomorrow?
Absolutely nothing
21. Tell me a story about a scar you have.
I don't appear to have any
22. What color are your socks?
Mostly white
23. How long is your hair?
Too long
24. What school do you go to?
Basic Military Training Center School 2 (In a few days time)
25. What are you allergic to?
Airbus A320s
26. Can others make you cry easily?
Yes, especially one Mr Yagisawa.
27. Whos house did you last go to?
Jinjun
28. Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?
From some random place
29. Who is your best friend?
Hmm it's hard to say really, but scroll down one entry and you should find the most likely answer.
30. Do you know what you are going to wear tomorrow?
I'll just take whatever's on top
37. What are your favorite color(s)?
Green, gold
38. Do you know anyone who lives in another state?
In passing
39. Are you easily confused?
This question is confusing
40. Who have you talked on phone today?
Paul!!!
41. How has the past week been?
EXTREMELY BORING
42. Do you like anyone at the moment?
Quite a few people?
43.What made you happy today?
My com's back in action
44.Do you like thunderstorms?
Unless I'm caught in them, yeah
45. Do you watch Hannah Montana?
Please no
46. When’s the last time you cried?
Just
48. What’s the weather like right now?
Too hot! It's 24 degrees celsius! Sigh I miss HK's and Egypt's weather.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
2008 in review
I still remember clearly how the year started... sitting on the Padang watching fireworks with Paul, Jinjun, Shuotian, Chester, Calvin and others.
At the time, I was reflecting back on the way that 2006 ended (badly), and how it foreshadowed 2007, which wasn't that great a year. I thought to myself that perhaps, since the way 2007 was ending was way better, 2008 should prove to be a good year too. Was it? Let's see.
Academically, of course, we had the big one. The A levels came and went. I think I improved since last year, and hopefully I did well. Some moments in class were really priceless, and of course, the numerous mugging sessions at the Esplanade and the airport will be remembered.
However, I think academics were a minor part of my year. So many things have happened, and I shall attempt to broadly categorise them into a few areas.
Travel wise, this year was a bumper year for me, visiting Japan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, UAE, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. It is good that I've gotten so many opportunities to visit different countries, experience their cultures and scenery and in the case of Japan, meet new people and exchange ideas. As an aviation enthusiast, the number of aircraft, airports and airlines has been staggering and I'm really thankful for these experiences. Some of them (Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines) have been wonderful, others (Cathay Pacific) less so. Still, it's not every year one gets to fly 3 new types.
Musically, this year for me has shown great improvements in my personal standard. January saw some minor events here and there, while March had Play 08, which was a light and refreshing event. May saw A Tempo XIX, the highlight of the year in RJCSB. However, I must say that while it was a great concert, for me, I found it slightly lacking in terms of emotion and feelings on my part, which I can't really explain much. In June, RIMB went to Japan, ending a 3 year long wait. I really enjoyed that trip, and I hope, however unlikely, that I can experience something similar in future. July saw SIBF, a less than ideal finish to my band life under Mr Oura, who I dearly miss, but also saw the start of Rwinds practices. As a committee member for Rwinds, I found myself more heavily involved in Coda IV compared to previous Codas. Of course, this meant more work, sometimes more than I could handle. Despite this, our efforts paid off in what may well be the best concert of my life to me. In Coda IV I found a passion for music I had lost in A Tempo, and for the first time I found myself really tearing on stage. The band played well, not technically as well as A Tempo or JCBF, but with emotion and fervour I've rarely seen.
Of course, the most important developments are in friendship. There are a few people who I have to acknowledge, and in alphabetical order (except for the most important) they are (apologies if I offend anyone, but I bet no one reads this anyway):
Ben - I regret not getting to know him in RIMB, because he's been a great friend so far, offering invaluable advice from a different perspective. It was great to play with him, and the rest of his batch, in Coda and I hope I continue to have that privilege
Bertrand - I haven't been able to see him much this year, inevitable I suppose given our difference in batch. Still, we remain good friends, and comrades in our love for aviation. I look forward to flying more with him in the future.
Calvin - Been seeing a lot more of him the past year, and we've grown closer. I think I may sometimes overlook him, but recently he's been a very good friend, always being there when I needed someone. I still distinctly remember coming out of arrivals after an extremely distressing flight from Dubai and seeing him there, then just running over and hugging him tight. I must thank him for all he's done for me.
Jerald - He's been another great junior and friend to me so far, and I commend him on his exemplary leadership of the RIMB this year. I suppose I have him to thank for the wonderful Japan trip and for a great job emceeing Coda too.
Jeremy - I guess in 2007 we sort of drifted apart, but I'm lucky to have re-forged our friendship this year. I guess when you've known each other for six years, such friendships die hard, and I hope it continues to improve.
Meiyi - One of the most important new relationships I've forged over this year, and we've spent some times together, both trying (during the A levels) and fun (Our trip toHong Kong East Coast Park). I wish for our friendship to continue to grow.
Paul - Still the same bubbly guy as ever. I must admit that at times I found him a little insensitive perhaps, but I put that down to my own insecurity and a bit of selfishness I guess. He's been a great friend to me though, and I sincerely hope that continues.
Shuotian - How I wish we could have played together in Coda, but due to extenuating circumstances that was not possible. He's one of the few people I've had no doubts about, and one of the people I feel I can really depend upon.
Shuyi - I guess we've really drifted apart in the later half of the year, but the bond of friendship we shared in the first half is something I still cherish, and perhaps wish I still have.
To round off this whole post, there is someone special who I must thank greatly, because I don't think I could have survived the year without him. I started the year probably regarding him as an acquaintance of sorts, but now, I don't know what I'd do without him. He's followed me almost all the way, even as far as Hong Kong and KL. He's offered invaluable support during the hardest periods of the year, and was there to share all the happy moments too, not to mention teaching me a lot of stuff about music, photography and a whole lot of other things. I don't know how I'll ever repay him for what he's done. I hope, though it's not very likely, that we'll be able to share our journey through NS together, as well as other fun times in the future. I don't think I need to mention who this person is, because I'm sure he knows. If you're reading this, I don't know how I can express my feelings in a few words, but I'll try. Thanks, thanks for everything.
At the time, I was reflecting back on the way that 2006 ended (badly), and how it foreshadowed 2007, which wasn't that great a year. I thought to myself that perhaps, since the way 2007 was ending was way better, 2008 should prove to be a good year too. Was it? Let's see.
Academically, of course, we had the big one. The A levels came and went. I think I improved since last year, and hopefully I did well. Some moments in class were really priceless, and of course, the numerous mugging sessions at the Esplanade and the airport will be remembered.
However, I think academics were a minor part of my year. So many things have happened, and I shall attempt to broadly categorise them into a few areas.
Travel wise, this year was a bumper year for me, visiting Japan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, UAE, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. It is good that I've gotten so many opportunities to visit different countries, experience their cultures and scenery and in the case of Japan, meet new people and exchange ideas. As an aviation enthusiast, the number of aircraft, airports and airlines has been staggering and I'm really thankful for these experiences. Some of them (Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines) have been wonderful, others (Cathay Pacific) less so. Still, it's not every year one gets to fly 3 new types.
Musically, this year for me has shown great improvements in my personal standard. January saw some minor events here and there, while March had Play 08, which was a light and refreshing event. May saw A Tempo XIX, the highlight of the year in RJCSB. However, I must say that while it was a great concert, for me, I found it slightly lacking in terms of emotion and feelings on my part, which I can't really explain much. In June, RIMB went to Japan, ending a 3 year long wait. I really enjoyed that trip, and I hope, however unlikely, that I can experience something similar in future. July saw SIBF, a less than ideal finish to my band life under Mr Oura, who I dearly miss, but also saw the start of Rwinds practices. As a committee member for Rwinds, I found myself more heavily involved in Coda IV compared to previous Codas. Of course, this meant more work, sometimes more than I could handle. Despite this, our efforts paid off in what may well be the best concert of my life to me. In Coda IV I found a passion for music I had lost in A Tempo, and for the first time I found myself really tearing on stage. The band played well, not technically as well as A Tempo or JCBF, but with emotion and fervour I've rarely seen.
Of course, the most important developments are in friendship. There are a few people who I have to acknowledge, and in alphabetical order (except for the most important) they are (apologies if I offend anyone, but I bet no one reads this anyway):
Ben - I regret not getting to know him in RIMB, because he's been a great friend so far, offering invaluable advice from a different perspective. It was great to play with him, and the rest of his batch, in Coda and I hope I continue to have that privilege
Bertrand - I haven't been able to see him much this year, inevitable I suppose given our difference in batch. Still, we remain good friends, and comrades in our love for aviation. I look forward to flying more with him in the future.
Calvin - Been seeing a lot more of him the past year, and we've grown closer. I think I may sometimes overlook him, but recently he's been a very good friend, always being there when I needed someone. I still distinctly remember coming out of arrivals after an extremely distressing flight from Dubai and seeing him there, then just running over and hugging him tight. I must thank him for all he's done for me.
Jerald - He's been another great junior and friend to me so far, and I commend him on his exemplary leadership of the RIMB this year. I suppose I have him to thank for the wonderful Japan trip and for a great job emceeing Coda too.
Jeremy - I guess in 2007 we sort of drifted apart, but I'm lucky to have re-forged our friendship this year. I guess when you've known each other for six years, such friendships die hard, and I hope it continues to improve.
Meiyi - One of the most important new relationships I've forged over this year, and we've spent some times together, both trying (during the A levels) and fun (Our trip to
Paul - Still the same bubbly guy as ever. I must admit that at times I found him a little insensitive perhaps, but I put that down to my own insecurity and a bit of selfishness I guess. He's been a great friend to me though, and I sincerely hope that continues.
Shuotian - How I wish we could have played together in Coda, but due to extenuating circumstances that was not possible. He's one of the few people I've had no doubts about, and one of the people I feel I can really depend upon.
Shuyi - I guess we've really drifted apart in the later half of the year, but the bond of friendship we shared in the first half is something I still cherish, and perhaps wish I still have.
To round off this whole post, there is someone special who I must thank greatly, because I don't think I could have survived the year without him. I started the year probably regarding him as an acquaintance of sorts, but now, I don't know what I'd do without him. He's followed me almost all the way, even as far as Hong Kong and KL. He's offered invaluable support during the hardest periods of the year, and was there to share all the happy moments too, not to mention teaching me a lot of stuff about music, photography and a whole lot of other things. I don't know how I'll ever repay him for what he's done. I hope, though it's not very likely, that we'll be able to share our journey through NS together, as well as other fun times in the future. I don't think I need to mention who this person is, because I'm sure he knows. If you're reading this, I don't know how I can express my feelings in a few words, but I'll try. Thanks, thanks for everything.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Yet another quiz
1. Made out for more than 3 minutes?
With my bari, yeah
2. Slept in a different bed?
Many many times
3. Loved someone so much that you couldn’t live another second without that person?
Nope
4. Made out with 2 different people in one night?
Not even 1
5. Thought your cousin was hot?
Not ever
6. Been in love?
747-400!
7. Slept past noon?
Rarely
8. Taken a shower with the opposite sex?
Nope
9. Gone over the speed limit?
as a passenger, too many times to count
10. Painted your room?
Nope
11. Drove a car?
Mainly the CDC Toyota Vios
12.Danced in front of your mirror?
No
13. Gotten a hickey?
Nope
14. Been dumped?
No
15. Stole money from a friend?
Never
16. Gotten in a car with people you just met?
Once or twice
17. Been in a fist fight?
Nope, saw one in a school in Japan though (teacher vs student)
18. Snuck out of your house?
Nope
19. Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back?
No (wow my life is boring)
20. Been arrested?
No
21. Made out with a stranger?
No
22. Left your house without telling your parents?
No
23. Had a crush on your neighbour?
I don't even know them
24. Ditched school to do something more fun?
Nope
25. Slept in a bed with a member of the same or opposite sex?
Both
26. Seen someone die?
Nope, hopefully won't
27. Been on a plane?
If by plane you mean anything other than x, no, where x =: (in order of size)
Curtiss-Wright Travelair 4000
Cessna 182S
ATR 72-500
Embraer ERJ-190
McDonnell Douglas MD80
Airbus A319-112
Boeing 737-400
Boeing 737-800
Airbus A320-214
Airbus A320-232
Airbus A321-214
Boeing 757-200
Boeing 767-300ER
Airbus A330-300
Airbus A340-500
Airbus A340-600
Boeing 777-200ER
Boeing 777-300
Boeing 777-300ER
Boeing 747-100SR/SUD
Boeing 747-400
Airbus A380-800
28. Kissed a picture?
Nope
29. Slept in the opposite sex’s bed?
Erm?
30. Love someone or miss someone right now?
I miss a lot of people, but not in a romantic sense
31. Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by?
Never laid down, but did that before
32. Made a snow angel?
Nope
33. Played dress up?
A long long long time ago
34. Cheated while playing a game?
Many many times
35. Been lonely?
yeah, am right now actually
36. Fallen asleep at work/school?
A couple of times
37. Been to a club?
yeah
38. Felt an earthquake?
Nope
39. Touched a snake?
Couple of times
40. Ran a red light?
As a pedestrian, yeah
41. Been suspended from school?
Well my bag was once (literally), but no
42. Had detention?
Nope
43. Been in a car?
Sure
44. Hated the way you look?
Nope
45. Witnessed a crime?
Haha depends on the strict definition of crime
With my bari, yeah
2. Slept in a different bed?
Many many times
3. Loved someone so much that you couldn’t live another second without that person?
Nope
4. Made out with 2 different people in one night?
Not even 1
5. Thought your cousin was hot?
Not ever
6. Been in love?
747-400!
7. Slept past noon?
Rarely
8. Taken a shower with the opposite sex?
Nope
9. Gone over the speed limit?
as a passenger, too many times to count
10. Painted your room?
Nope
11. Drove a car?
Mainly the CDC Toyota Vios
12.Danced in front of your mirror?
No
13. Gotten a hickey?
Nope
14. Been dumped?
No
15. Stole money from a friend?
Never
16. Gotten in a car with people you just met?
Once or twice
17. Been in a fist fight?
Nope, saw one in a school in Japan though (teacher vs student)
18. Snuck out of your house?
Nope
19. Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back?
No (wow my life is boring)
20. Been arrested?
No
21. Made out with a stranger?
No
22. Left your house without telling your parents?
No
23. Had a crush on your neighbour?
I don't even know them
24. Ditched school to do something more fun?
Nope
25. Slept in a bed with a member of the same or opposite sex?
Both
26. Seen someone die?
Nope, hopefully won't
27. Been on a plane?
If by plane you mean anything other than x, no, where x =: (in order of size)
Curtiss-Wright Travelair 4000
Cessna 182S
ATR 72-500
Embraer ERJ-190
McDonnell Douglas MD80
Airbus A319-112
Boeing 737-400
Boeing 737-800
Airbus A320-214
Airbus A320-232
Airbus A321-214
Boeing 757-200
Boeing 767-300ER
Airbus A330-300
Airbus A340-500
Airbus A340-600
Boeing 777-200ER
Boeing 777-300
Boeing 777-300ER
Boeing 747-100SR/SUD
Boeing 747-400
Airbus A380-800
28. Kissed a picture?
Nope
29. Slept in the opposite sex’s bed?
Erm?
30. Love someone or miss someone right now?
I miss a lot of people, but not in a romantic sense
31. Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by?
Never laid down, but did that before
32. Made a snow angel?
Nope
33. Played dress up?
A long long long time ago
34. Cheated while playing a game?
Many many times
35. Been lonely?
yeah, am right now actually
36. Fallen asleep at work/school?
A couple of times
37. Been to a club?
yeah
38. Felt an earthquake?
Nope
39. Touched a snake?
Couple of times
40. Ran a red light?
As a pedestrian, yeah
41. Been suspended from school?
Well my bag was once (literally), but no
42. Had detention?
Nope
43. Been in a car?
Sure
44. Hated the way you look?
Nope
45. Witnessed a crime?
Haha depends on the strict definition of crime
46. Been lost?
Sure
47. Been to the opposite side of the country?
This is Singapore...
48. Felt like dying from embarrassment?
yeah haha
49. Cried yourself to sleep?
Yeah.
50. Sang karaoke?
Nope
51. Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t do?
Yeah a few times
52. Laughed till some kind of beverage came out of your nose?
Yep
53. Caught a snowflake on your tongue?
Nah, but i've caught them in my hand
54. Kissed in the rain?
nope
55. Sung in the shower?
Nope... played instrument in shower maybe but not sang.
56. Had a dream that you married someone?
Nope
57. Played getting married?
Nope, played the wedding march before though
58. Got your tongue stuck to a flag pole?
No?
59. Ever gone to school partially nude?
Nope
60. Been to a blind date?
Never
61. Sat on a roof top?
Sure, why not
62. Ever not take a shower for a week?
Longest maybe 3 days?
63. Ever been too scared to watch scary movies alone?
Maybe when I was a kid
64. Played chicken?
Nope
65. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on?
Nope
66. Been told you’re hot by a complete stranger?
No...
67. Broken a bone?
Never
68. Been easily amused?
Yeah
69. Laugh so hard you cry?
Haha it's a good feeling
70. Cheated on a test?
Not intentionally
71. Forgotten someone’s name?
Nope
72. Blacked out from drinking?
Never
73. Played a prank on someone?
Couple of times
74. Gone to a late night movie?
Do DVDs at home count?
75. Made love to anything not human?
No, unless you consider the regular kissing I do with my bari sax.
76. Failed a class?
Chinese! haha and Japanese too.
77. Choked on something you’re not supposed to eat?
Nope
78. Played an instrument for more than 10 hours?
Strict definition no, but I've had practices more than that.
79. Cheated on a girlfriend/boyfriend?
Nope
80. Did you celebrate the 4th of July?
Somewhat, I usually listen to the Stars and Stripes Forever.
81. Thrown strange objects?
Going to soon... maybe, I dunno if PES C ppl get to throw handgrenades.
82. Felt like someone else?
No?
83. Thought about running away?
That time when Shuhui wanted to propose to me, I was one click away from booking a flight to New York
84. Ran away?
One click away man
85. Had detention and not attend it?
Never had detention
86. Made parents cry?
Nope
87. Cried over someone?
Not really
88. Owned more than 5 sharpies?
i'm not B major u know -.-
89. Dated someone more than once?
Nope
90. Have a dog?
Not by the strictest definition
91. Own an instrument?
Yeah, a Yamaha alto sax
92. Been in a band?
RIMB, RJCSB, Rwinds, JCBF 2007 Honour Band
93. Drank 25 sodas in a day?
nope
94. Broken a cd?
haha many times
95. Shot a gun?
Tekong Disneyland here we come!
96. Been on IM for more than 5 hours?
Way longer than that
97. Fell asleep at the computer?
Once
98. Have a major crush on someone right now?
Nope
99. Have a religion?
Roman Catholic
100. Thought about what people would say at your funeral?
Yeah
101. Loved someone but didn’t dare to tell that person?
Nope
102. Slapped someone in the face?
Nah
103. Swam in the sea?
Yeah
104. Made out in a movie theatre?
No.. I'd be watching the movie
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Coda 4!
Yesterday was one of the best days of my life!
Wanted to go down to RI to set up, as usual, but this time I went straight to VCH (after lunch and stuff at Raffles City), due to my video camera. I went over at 1, but had to wait a while with Jerald, Hillary and David for the hall to open up. Once it did, I went over, set up the camera stuff and waited for rehearsal to start.
Not much happened during rehearsals, although the ensemble rehearsals (particularly for Canon in D) were exhausting. Also, the dinner, intelligently, contained chilli. I don't know why pre-concert dinner always contains the stuff that tends to affect wind players, but...
So at 7:15, the stage was set and we were all ready for the first piece, which was:
Firework! Yeah there's only one firework for some reason. I think this piece was a good concert opener, but we didn't do it very impressively. I think a bit more energy would be good, but still this piece was done decently.
Armenian Dances was next and I think we did it really well, despite its difficulty. The audience appear to have a good impression too. I started out this Rwinds cycle not really liking this piece, but it's grown on me. Rushed a little here and there, but overall this piece was one of the nicest in the concert.
Jinjun's Piece A French Portrait was composed by my dear friend above. Obviously however the picture is not representative of the piece, merely of the composer. It had a bit of a Vox Stellarum feel to it, and quite representative of the stars it describes. I think our premiere of the piece was also quite a good job, expressive and majestic.
Phantom of the Opera was one of the bigger pieces of the concert, and Yanlong's first. Overall this piece was a little messy here and there, but for the most part it sounded ok. Again, the band seemed to play this with much emotion and passion, which I'm sure the audience must have felt too.
Intermission for me was a short one because I had an ensemble coming up. Unlike Coda 3 a substantial number of people actually came looking for me, which I appreciated a lot.
Our saxophone ensemble went up on stage to perform the first of two pieces namely:
I think you can figure out the name of the song from the picture, so I'm not going to repeat it here. The hardest piece for me in the concert, also the most boring, repeating the same thing 10-20 times is not fun. Still, we did ok.
We next did Diamond State Rag, a rag based on the state of Delaware in the USA. Compared to the previous piece, this one was fast, lively and fun, and I liked it a lot.
After that we had the percussion ensemble, then the whole band gathered back on stage for:
ABBA Gold! Yeah way back from REACT ensuring that the tradition of my concerts always having a repeated piece continues. This was quite ok too, a good, fun song to play and it brought back memories of the good times of 2007.
Our next piece, arranged and conducted by Yan Long, was In the Mood, a very fun swing song that got me high. I've got the melody for the most part, and it was really enjoyable to play. Everyone was getting high so to cool down we had:
Queen's Park Melody, which was a really nice and relaxing piece. Very "band", as Mr Oura would say. The second half of the melody was really soothing and melodic, and I really like it.
After that, we had acknowledgements, including Ms Lim Lai Cheng, principal of "Raffles Institution". We also thanked the band teachers for "supporting the band in every way possible". Finally we came to our last piece which was:
The Seventh Night of July is a really great piece, telling the tale of two lovers separated by a galaxy who can meet but once a year. I fell in love with the piece almost as soon as I heard it, and as I mentioned earlier, my highest aspirations for the concert were pinned on this piece, especially this one part near the end which really gets my emotions going. I am proud to say that I was not disappointed, we did beautifully. It filled my heart with joy to hear the faster parts, and the slower parts were so melodious and beautiful I almost cried. The finale gave me an epic rush of emotion that I will probably never feel again. I know, technically we didn't play as well as, say, Kosei, but the emotions I felt there more than made up for it.
Our encore piece was Looney Tunes Overture, and judging from the video we were all happy while we played it, and feeling the happiness of the music and seeing the smiles on everyone's faces made the whole concert complete.
After the concert, because I was unable to obtain transport home from school due to car troubles, I left for dinner at a nearby Golden Arches and proceeded home.
Well, 6 months of hard work have paid off for me, and for the rest of the band. Ticket sales soared to a record high, and the hall was fuller than ever. The concert went off without a hitch and of course, the band and the conductors did marvellously. I must especially thank the committee, especially Amir, and the two conductors for all the work they've put in.
As to why I find this concert a particularly memorable one, I have to say that I felt more for this concert and the pieces than I have ever been able to feel since Prometheum XI. When I played for A Tempo XIX, it was great, but somehow I couldn't feel anything for the music, try as much as I did. I just played, that was all. For this concert, maybe it's because I invested more into it, I felt it was more of my concert, our concert. Whatever the reason, I could actually feel the music, put my all into it, enjoy the fast and happy songs and release as much passion and energy as I had in the beautiful melodies that made up this concert, especially in the 7th Night of July.
I'm going to miss RI's band room, the place I've been having pracs at least twice a month since 2003, and of course, the Varese room. Also my dear instrument, which has been a close friend of mine these two years. Hopefully I'll see them, as well as the great people that made up this Rwinds, again next year. Onward to Coda V!
Wanted to go down to RI to set up, as usual, but this time I went straight to VCH (after lunch and stuff at Raffles City), due to my video camera. I went over at 1, but had to wait a while with Jerald, Hillary and David for the hall to open up. Once it did, I went over, set up the camera stuff and waited for rehearsal to start.
Not much happened during rehearsals, although the ensemble rehearsals (particularly for Canon in D) were exhausting. Also, the dinner, intelligently, contained chilli. I don't know why pre-concert dinner always contains the stuff that tends to affect wind players, but...
So at 7:15, the stage was set and we were all ready for the first piece, which was:
Firework! Yeah there's only one firework for some reason. I think this piece was a good concert opener, but we didn't do it very impressively. I think a bit more energy would be good, but still this piece was done decently.
Armenian Dances was next and I think we did it really well, despite its difficulty. The audience appear to have a good impression too. I started out this Rwinds cycle not really liking this piece, but it's grown on me. Rushed a little here and there, but overall this piece was one of the nicest in the concert.
Phantom of the Opera was one of the bigger pieces of the concert, and Yanlong's first. Overall this piece was a little messy here and there, but for the most part it sounded ok. Again, the band seemed to play this with much emotion and passion, which I'm sure the audience must have felt too.
Intermission for me was a short one because I had an ensemble coming up. Unlike Coda 3 a substantial number of people actually came looking for me, which I appreciated a lot.
Our saxophone ensemble went up on stage to perform the first of two pieces namely:
I think you can figure out the name of the song from the picture, so I'm not going to repeat it here. The hardest piece for me in the concert, also the most boring, repeating the same thing 10-20 times is not fun. Still, we did ok.
We next did Diamond State Rag, a rag based on the state of Delaware in the USA. Compared to the previous piece, this one was fast, lively and fun, and I liked it a lot.
After that we had the percussion ensemble, then the whole band gathered back on stage for:
ABBA Gold! Yeah way back from REACT ensuring that the tradition of my concerts always having a repeated piece continues. This was quite ok too, a good, fun song to play and it brought back memories of the good times of 2007.
Our next piece, arranged and conducted by Yan Long, was In the Mood, a very fun swing song that got me high. I've got the melody for the most part, and it was really enjoyable to play. Everyone was getting high so to cool down we had:
Queen's Park Melody, which was a really nice and relaxing piece. Very "band", as Mr Oura would say. The second half of the melody was really soothing and melodic, and I really like it.After that, we had acknowledgements, including Ms Lim Lai Cheng, principal of "Raffles Institution". We also thanked the band teachers for "supporting the band in every way possible". Finally we came to our last piece which was:
The Seventh Night of July is a really great piece, telling the tale of two lovers separated by a galaxy who can meet but once a year. I fell in love with the piece almost as soon as I heard it, and as I mentioned earlier, my highest aspirations for the concert were pinned on this piece, especially this one part near the end which really gets my emotions going. I am proud to say that I was not disappointed, we did beautifully. It filled my heart with joy to hear the faster parts, and the slower parts were so melodious and beautiful I almost cried. The finale gave me an epic rush of emotion that I will probably never feel again. I know, technically we didn't play as well as, say, Kosei, but the emotions I felt there more than made up for it.
Our encore piece was Looney Tunes Overture, and judging from the video we were all happy while we played it, and feeling the happiness of the music and seeing the smiles on everyone's faces made the whole concert complete.
After the concert, because I was unable to obtain transport home from school due to car troubles, I left for dinner at a nearby Golden Arches and proceeded home.
Well, 6 months of hard work have paid off for me, and for the rest of the band. Ticket sales soared to a record high, and the hall was fuller than ever. The concert went off without a hitch and of course, the band and the conductors did marvellously. I must especially thank the committee, especially Amir, and the two conductors for all the work they've put in.
As to why I find this concert a particularly memorable one, I have to say that I felt more for this concert and the pieces than I have ever been able to feel since Prometheum XI. When I played for A Tempo XIX, it was great, but somehow I couldn't feel anything for the music, try as much as I did. I just played, that was all. For this concert, maybe it's because I invested more into it, I felt it was more of my concert, our concert. Whatever the reason, I could actually feel the music, put my all into it, enjoy the fast and happy songs and release as much passion and energy as I had in the beautiful melodies that made up this concert, especially in the 7th Night of July.
I'm going to miss RI's band room, the place I've been having pracs at least twice a month since 2003, and of course, the Varese room. Also my dear instrument, which has been a close friend of mine these two years. Hopefully I'll see them, as well as the great people that made up this Rwinds, again next year. Onward to Coda V!
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